SCOTLAND is “leading the way” as the first country in the world to embed LGBT inclusive education across the curriculum, the children’s minister has said.
Subjects across different age groups will include LGBT identities, issues and history, with a focus on promoting equality and reducing bullying, according to the Scottish Government.
To enable schools to deliver this, education staff will be provided with an awareness e-learning course and a toolkit of LGBT inclusive education resource. Parents, carers, and youngsters will also be provided with a website to access information supporting LGBT children.
The policy change comes four years on from the launch of an LGBTI Inclusive Education Working Group, chaired by local government and Holyrood officials, which made 33 recommendations to the Scottish Government – all of which ministers accepted.
Children’s minister Clare Haughey said she’s “proud” that Scotland is leading the way on the issue.
“By doing so, we can help young people to reach their full potential and flourish in a diverse and inclusive society,” she commented.
“The launch of this ground-breaking suite of resources for schools takes us another step forward in ensuring that our curriculum is as diverse as the young people who learn in our schools.”
Meanwhile, Time for Inclusive Education co-founder Jordan Daly said as someone who has grown up experiencing bullying for his sexuality his confidence and wellbeing had been badly affected.
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“This work will empower young people and provide them with an opportunity I didn't have at school - to feel valued, confident, and proud of who they are,” he said.
Margaret Wilson, the chair of the National Parent Forum, said the group welcomes the roll-out and hopes the resource can ensure all young people have a “positive educational experience”.
The new website can he accessed here.
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